Turkey and White Bean Skillet

The aroma of garlic and fresh tomatoes fills the kitchen as this dish cooks, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. I remember the first time I made Turkey and White Bean Skillet with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce; it brought my family together at the dinner table, enjoying good food and laughter. This recipe stands out because it is simple, healthy, and flavorful, making it perfect for any weeknight meal or cozy gathering. You will love how the juicy cherry tomatoes burst and mingle with seasoned ground turkey and creamy cannellini beans, creating a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.

why make this recipe

This recipe is great because it brings together lean turkey and nutritious beans in a one-pan meal. It’s quick to prepare and full of flavor, making it ideal for busy nights. The burst cherry tomatoes add a fresh taste that elevates the entire dish, allowing you to enjoy a healthy meal without a lot of fuss. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with only one skillet to wash!

how to make Turkey and White Bean Skillet with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes (about 16 – 20 oz)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium lemons, zested and juiced
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Burst the cherry tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, mostly undisturbed, until the skins blister and start to pop, about 5-7 minutes. Press a few with the back of a spoon to release extra juice.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Add lemon juice from one lemon and taste it; if you prefer more lemony flavor, add juice from the second lemon. Scoop the tomato-garlic mixture into a bowl and set it aside.
3. Brown the turkey: In the same skillet, add the ground turkey and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Add in the onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Combine everything: Return the tomato-garlic mixture to the skillet along with the drained beans, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. If the mixture is too thick, pour in about 1/2 cup of water or broth.
5. Simmer to thicken: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Add more water or broth if it looks too dry.
6. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the basil. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed. Serve topped with Parmesan, extra basil, and more crushed red pepper if you like it spicy. Enjoy it over crusty bread, pasta, or on its own!

how to serve Turkey and White Bean Skillet with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

This dish is versatile and can be served in different ways. Try it over a bed of cooked pasta, or spoon it onto slices of crusty bread for a hearty appetizer. You can also serve it in bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil on top to make it look even more inviting.

how to store Turkey and White Bean Skillet with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

tips to make Turkey and White Bean Skillet with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the basil and tomatoes.
• You can add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the level of crushed red pepper based on your spice preference.
• For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream at the end of cooking.

variation

For a vegetarian version, substitute the lean ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or omit it altogether and add more beans. You can also use other types of beans, like black beans or pinto beans, in this recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherry tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes give the best flavor, you can use frozen cherry tomatoes in a pinch. Just be aware that they may release more liquid as they cook.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free! Just ensure that the broth or any additional ingredients you add are also gluten-free.

3. Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the dish and reheat it later for an easy dinner option.

Turkey and White Bean Skillet with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

A simple and flavorful one-pan meal featuring lean turkey and nutritious beans combined with burst cherry tomatoes and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil Use either oil based on preference.
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes About 16 - 20 oz.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium lemons, zested and juiced

Main ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust based on spice preference.
• 1 tsp kosher salt Plus more to taste.
• 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves For garnish.
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese For serving.

Method

 

Cooking the Tomatoes

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook undisturbed until the skins blister and begin to pop, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Press a few with the back of a spoon to release extra juice.

Adding Garlic

1. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
2. Add lemon juice from one lemon and taste. Add juice from the second lemon if desired.
3. Scoop the mixture into a bowl and set aside.

Browning the Turkey

1. In the same skillet, add the ground turkey and lemon zest.
2. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the turkey until it's no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add in the onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

Combining Ingredients

1. Return the tomato-garlic mixture to the skillet, along with the drained beans, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt.
2. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. If too thick, pour in about 1/2 cup of water or broth.

Simmering

1. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add more water or broth if needed.

Finishing Up

1. Remove from heat and stir in the basil.
2. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
3. Serve topped with Parmesan, extra basil, and more crushed red pepper if desired.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream at the end.